Sensoji Temple wore us out. The crowds, the heat, the endless snapping of photos. We needed a sit-down, so we ducked into Carib Coffee Shop, a short stroll from the temple. No research, no shortlist. It just looked busy, and mostly with locals, which is usually a decent sign.
Inside, it’s proper old-school Japanese kissaten energy. Dark wood, low lighting, that lovely retro hum. Service was warm and unfussy. Our legs were grateful.
What We Ordered at Carib Coffee Shop
- Americano – ¥700. Solid. Nothing to write home about.
- Earl Grey Tea – ¥750. Does the job.
- Rare Cheesecake – ¥750. Shared one slice out of curiosity, not craving.
Tip: there’s a cake set for ¥1,400 — a slice plus a blended coffee, Americano, black tea or green tea. We saved a whole ¥50. Not life-changing, but we’ll take it.
About That Rare Cheesecake
“Rare” here doesn’t mean unusual. It means no-bake — set with gelatin instead of eggs and an oven. Think creamy, light, gently tangy, almost yoghurt-like. It felt weirdly healthy. But the cheese flavour barely showed up, so if you love dense, rich New York-style slices, this one will underwhelm you. It didn’t wow us either.
Worth a Detour?
Honestly, no. I wouldn’t tell anyone to cross Tokyo for Carib Coffee Shop. But if you’re already wandering Asakusa with aching feet and need a quiet corner, it’s perfectly fine. Manage your expectations and you’ll leave happy.
